Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

JOHN 4:45KJV
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John 4:45 (KJV)

What does John 4:45 mean?

John 4:45 describes how, when Jesus entered Galilee, the people there welcomed him because they had seen what he had done in Jerusalem during the feast, since they too had been at the feast. The verse highlights that the Galileans’ reception of Jesus was influenced by their firsthand experience of his actions in Jerusalem.

This verse is part of the story where Jesus returns to Galilee after being in Judea. The people of Galilee, called Galilaeans, are not just welcoming Jesus out of general goodwill, but because they had witnessed his works—likely miracles or signs—at a major Jewish festival in Jerusalem. The verse helps set the scene for what follows, showing that Jesus’ reputation is spreading due to what people have personally observed.

The Greek behind John 4:45

  • "Received" (ἐδέξαντο, dechomai): This word often means to welcome or accept someone, and here it suggests an open, positive reception of Jesus by the Galileans, not just a polite acknowledgment.
  • "Feast" (ἑορτή, heortē): This refers to one of the major Jewish festivals, likely Passover. The mention that the Galilaeans "also went unto the feast" connects their experience in Jerusalem directly to their response to Jesus in Galilee.
  • "Seen" (ἑωρακότες, heōrakotes): The Greek here emphasizes that the Galilaeans’ welcome was based on what they had personally witnessed, not just on reports or rumors.

Why John 4:45 matters

  • John 4:45 clarifies that the Galilaeans’ welcome was not purely spiritual or based on faith, but was motivated by what they had seen Jesus do in Jerusalem, highlighting the role of signs and miracles in shaping people’s responses to him.
  • The verse connects the events in Jerusalem with Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, showing how his actions at the feast had a ripple effect, influencing people’s attitudes in different regions.
  • This sets up a contrast with other parts of John’s Gospel, where faith based only on signs is sometimes shown as less deep than faith based on Jesus’ words or person.

Where else these words appear

“Galilaeans” Greek G1057 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
  • Luke 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

“feast” Greek G1859 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
  • John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
  • John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

“received” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“seen” Greek G3708 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?